Can You Cut LED Light Strips

Q: Can I cut LED light strips? Where to cut LED light strips?

A: Since a LED light strip is fixed in length and it is not always possible to buy light strips of a suitable length every time, users have often asked if a light strip can be cut to a fixed length. Actually, there are many brands and products of LED light strips, so whether a light strip can still be used normally after being cut is not a question that can be given a general answer. It really depends on the specific product. In general, if the light strip has a cut line, it can be cut; if it has not, it is best not to cut it.

Part 1. How to Cut LED Strip Lights

Part 2. How to Fix LED Strip Lights When Cut

Part 3. How to Use LED Strip Lights After Cutting

Part 1. How to Cut LED Strip Lights

Before cutting light strips, please make sure that the strip you bought can be cut; otherwise, cutting the light strip may render it unusable; at the same time, you must remember to disconnect the power; directly cutting a light strip that is connected to a power supply is extremely dangerous.

Step 1. Measure the length

If the LED light strip you bought is too long, you need to cut off the extra part. The first thing you should do is measure the right length. If you accidentally cut the strip too short, your effort will be wasted.

Step 2. Look for the scissors logo on the light strip

For the convenience of users, manufacturers have placed a scissors logo on the cuttable part of their LED light strips. To avoid causing damage, you must find the scissors logo before cutting.

Step 3. Cut with a pair of scissors

The final step is to use your scissors and cut the excess strip along the position marked by the scissors logo. If you accidentally cut diagonally, it may cause the light to stop working, so make sure you cut straight.

Part 2. How to Fix LED Strip Lights When Cut

Q: I purchased a LED strip lights and used a portion of it, but I also want to use the remaining portion. Is that possible?

A: If the LED light strip you purchased can be cut, the remaining part that you have cut off cannot be used anymore. If you want to reconnect them after cutting, you must use an additional 4 pin connector to reconnect. However, if the operation is improper when you cut and connect, it may also cause the light strip to stop working properly. So we recommend that you double-check the length of the strip before cutting and avoid the need to reconnect after cutting.

If you need to reconnect LED light strips after cutting them, you need an additional 4pin connector. Generally, this product is not included in a LED light strip set and has to be purchased separately.

Step 1. Buy Lepro 4-pin LED strip light connector

There are many types of strip light connectors, so you need to choose the right one according to the type of light strip. If your light strip is 10mm wide, the 4Pin connector you select must be suitable for 10mm. If your light strip is 8mm wide and you purchase a 10mm connector, it will not work. Yet, the 4pin connects are the most commonly used. Lepro 4-pin strip light connector pack includes 5 pieces of L-shape and 5 pieces of line shape connectors, perfect for both 90° corners connection and extension along a straight line, can be used on almost all the occasions.

Step 2. Open the connector

If the connector has a cover, you have to open the connector on the side.

Step 3. Place the light strip into the connector

Place the two cut ends of the LED light strip into the fastening clips of the connector. At this point, you should check that they are not reversed by following the picture instruction.

Step 4. Cover the connector

After placing the light strip, close the cover of the connector and try to see if the light strip is lit normally after the power supply is connected. If the connected parts do not light up normally, try adjusting the connecting point between the connector and the light strip.

In general, it is somewhat troublesome to reconnect the strip after cutting. Not only do you have to buy additional connectors, but any improper operation may also cause the strip to become unusable. So it is best to make sure that the required length is correct and avoid wastage.

Part 3. How to Use LED Strip Lights After Cutting

Q: Does a cut LED light strip still work?

A: Some light strips can be cut to a specific length and continue to work. However, they must be cut according to the cut mark. There are some tiny and precise parts on LED light strips. If you accidentally cut the wrong place, you may cause the light to stop working normally.

After cutting the light strip, you can place the required parts in the proper position and turn on the lights by following to these steps. The following steps use Lepro LED light strips as an example:

Step 1. Make sure the wall is dry and clean

If you need to attach the light strip to a wall, please clean the wall first. If the wall is dusty or wet, you cannot attach the LED light strip properly.

Step 2. Paste the LED light strip

After cleaning the wall, you can tear off the covering on the 3M super glue behind the light strip and paste it in the position you want.

Step 3. Connect the LED light strip

If you have purchased a LED light strip set, it should come with a connector and a controller. You should use the connector to connect the light strip and the controller. When connecting the light strip and the connector, please pay attention to the front and back. If the light strip is inserted backward, it will not work properly.

Step 4. Plug in the power and turn on the LED light strip

The last step is to connect the controller to the power supply, and you should see the LED light strips turned on.

After performing the above steps, if you find that the LED light strip is still not lit, check that there is no connection issue. If the set-up is normal, it means the light strip may have been damaged during the cutting process, so be careful and always cut according to the logo on the strip. 

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